NATION IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : Move Seen Helping End Miners’ Strike

In a major step toward ending the 10-month strike by United Mine Workers of America against Pittston Coal, the National Labor Relations Board said it settled all outstanding charges in the sometimes violent contract dispute. Union President Richard Trumka said the action takes the union “one step closer” to voting on contract terms. It also sets up a showdown Monday in the coal fields of southwest Virginia, where a county judge must decide whether to set aside $64 million in fines levied against the union for civil disobedience during the strike.